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Question
I have my last wisdom tooth coming in. As it's pushing through the gumline there's a 1/2 inch flap of gum that used to cover it that's sort of flapping back and forth. The tear in the gums causes some manageable pain, although my glands are swollen. I can feel all of the top of the wisdom tooth and it seems to be coming in pretty straight. Should I worry about the loose gum material, or will it just naturally come off as the tooth pushes the rest of the way out?
Hi Neal
Generally it will disappear as the tooth comes through further. Sometimes, however, if there is insufficient space for the tooth then you end up with the tooth part way through and the flap of gum covering the rest of the tooth remaining. This gum flap can get infected and be quite painful.
Keep the area as clean as possible to minimise the chance of it getting infected, and make sure you clean out any food particles that may get trapped under the gum.
Regards
Tony Appleton
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Tony Appleton BDS DPDS
Expertise
I am an experienced general dental practitioner in private dental practice. I have worked for the past 25 or so years in the UK, and own a busy practice in Stratford upon Avon, Stratford Dental. From early 2012 my wife and I moved to Canberra, Australia, where I have taken up the position of Lead Dentist in a large city-centre practice. I will happily answer questions related to general practice, and have interests in endodontics (root canal), dental implants, CEREC/E4D cad-cam dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.
Experience
I have been a general dental practitioner for over 25 years, working initially under the NHS, but since 2001 have been solely in private practice. I run a busy practice with my wife, Lisa, who is also a dentist. I have also been closely involved in the training of young dentists, and have lectured to dentists on a variety of subjects, both clinical and managerial, related to general dental practice.
Organizations
British Dental Association
Publications
British Dental Journal
Cancer Treatment Reviews
Education/Credentials
BDS Sheffield 1986 DPDS Bristol 2001
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